“One month ago I knew I never wanted to let you go. You’ve pushed me to be a better man, a more caring dominant and leader of our household. For all that you’ve given me, I offer you this as a commitment and sign of my love and dominance, all for you.” Damien pulled something out of his back pocket and held it in both hands. A length of black leather, tooled with designs she couldn’t make out in the ambient lighting. A silver ring hung from the middle. Attached at either end was a silver chain that would droop and hang like a necklace. A tiny crown pendant hung in the middle.
“My princess,” he mouthed at her. The one thing they had lost was his pet name of sweetness. She couldn’t hear it without the echo of Emilio’s voice in her head. But Damien had simply rolled with her needs.
Poppy sucked down a deep breath and blinked away the sudden tears. He got to her every time. She’d learned that just because she felt submissive toward Damien, it didn’t change who she was. She was still a switch, with switchy needs, but he was the kind of man who could bend for her. He loved her that much. Not that he didn’t enjoy when they switched, not when her only goal was to put a smile on his face and feel the pulse of connection between them.
He was everything she’d ever wanted, this dark angel. Her sir.
She pulled her gift out from behind her and held it cradled in her hands. The bracelet was braided leather with a single bead woven into it.
It was a bead from their bracelet.
Her hands and voice trembled. She could barely make out Damien’s outline through her tears. “One month ago I called myself your submissive for the first time, and I knew it was right. I may be a switch at heart, but I’ll always be your sub.”
Damien blew out a breath and she chuckled. They were a mess, but she loved what they had grown into. Together. He hadn’t changed her. Nikki had been right when she said Poppy was discovering a new side to herself. A side she only shared with one man.
The man she loved. The man who’d fought to save her, who’d held her through sleepless nights. The man who dried her tears and made her laugh.
“Princess, would you do me the honor of accepting my collar?” he asked, more as a formality than anything else.
“I would be honored to, sir.”
Poppy leaned forward as he buckled the leather around her neck. The chain was cool against her skin, while the leather remained rigid. In time it would shape to her body until it became part of her.
He stepped back, love shining through his gaze.
“Sir, would you accept this symbol of my submission?” She held up the bracelet.
Damien pushed his hand through the leather and she buckled it, breathing a sigh of relief when it fit just right. “I accept this token, and promise to cherish your submissive gift and love your switchy little heart.” He took her hand and pulled her to her feet. “Come here.”
His fingers dug into her short pixie cut, bending her over backward until he supported her weight, and kissed her. The crowd cheered, but none of that mattered. She had the man who would move heaven and hell for her, and he wanted her back.
Acknowledgments
There are so many people to thank and acknowledge for their help. First, to Sue Grimshaw and Stacey Kennedy, who made this book happen. To my local Citizen’s Police Academy, who introduced me to the special agent who was the inspiration for Damien. To A. S. Fenichel and her husband for allowing me to pick their brains. Lea Griffith and Shawn, you were my cheerleaders. Kitty, Shari, and Khriste, you guys stepped up to the plate when I needed help the most. Jodie Griffith and Gillian Archer—thank you. Eden Bradley, your patience is astounding and you encourage me so much. To Karen Book, thank you for the tampon and G.I. Joes. To Laura, some things always seem like a good idea in the moment, am I right? Lastly, to Kris and Jennifer, who were the real-life inspiration behind Kyle and Nikki. I could never write either of you true to who you really are, so I stole some of my favorite parts.
Rest in peace, Yoshi
Photo by DallasPinUp.com
It can never be said that SIDNEY BRISTOL has had a “normal” life. She is a recovering roller derby queen, former missionary, and tattoo addict. She grew up in a motor home on the US highways (with an occasional jaunt into Canada and Mexico), traveling the rodeo circuit with her parents. SIDNEY BRISTOL has lived abroad in both Russia and Thailand, working with children and teenagers. She now lives in Texas, where she splits her time between a job she loves, and writing, reading, and belly dancing.
facebook.com/Sidney.Bristol.Romance.Author
@sidney_bristol
The Editor’s Corner
Did you know August is Romance Awareness Month? It give us the perfect excuse (as if we needed one!) to immerse ourselves in some wonderfully romantic stories. And we have just the perfect ones. So wind down the dog days of summer with these great Loveswept reads.
We’re incredibly excited about New York Times bestselling author Ruthie Knox’s steamy new contemporary romance series set in New York City—if you haven’t yet experienced a Ruthie Knox book, you need to get Truly ASAP! You won’t regret it. Laura Drewry also returns this month with the witty and tender romance Prima Donna, which features a sexy love-shy doctor. Sidney Bristol proves that desire can be the most dangerous drug of all in her erotic tale of sensuality and suspense, Committed. And speaking of hot—have you seen the cover for Ashlyn Macnamara’s What a Lady Craves? It’s positively sizzling and the story is too—it’s a delicious tale of two souls torn apart by circumstances and reunited by fate. Then we have Vonnie Davis’s fantastic novel A Highlander’s Obsession, where two wandering souls discover that true love needs no words. And if you haven’t yet discovered Cecy Robson’s sensational Weird Girls series—or just want to return to where the magic first began—pick up a copy of A Curse Awakened, the prequel novella about four sisters coming to grips with their unique supernatural powers.
Lastly, don’t miss the newest Flirt title, Cassie Mae’s The Real Thing, which features best friends whose feelings suddenly become more than platonic.
Don’t keep these to yourself! In honor of Romance Awareness Month, spread the word and let your friends partake in some of the romance!
~Happy Romance!
Gina Wachtel
Associate Publisher
Read on for an excerpt from
Desired
Club Sin
by Stacey Kennedy
Available from Loveswept
Chapter One
Sitting on the coral sand–colored seat cushion, Kyler leaned back against the wicker patio chair and sipped a crisp beer. The warm Lake Las Vegas air wasn’t nearly as stifling as it’d been earlier in the day. His gaze swept past the trickling fountains and sparkling fire pits to the dancing crowd, eventually resting on the bride, Cora Adams.
Cora was a submissive and a member of the exclusive BDSM organization Club Sin, a place that allowed people to live out their darkest sexual fantasies. As a Master at the club, indicated by the dragon tattoo on his forearm, Kyler had met her a few years ago. They had maintained a close friendship ever since.
The bride swirled her hips, dancing with her bridesmaids, who were also Club Sin submissives, Presley Flynn and Kenzie Hart. Kyler couldn’t help but notice how beautiful they looked in their strapless mauve dresses. So much different from the club, where they were either naked or dressed in sexy lingerie.
He took another swig of his cool beer, and he couldn’t have been happier for Cora. In fact, as his gaze traveled over her mermaid-style wedding gown and long, dark hair styled in big, soft curls, he was sure he’d never seen her so happy.
This wedding was long overdue.
He had thought Cora would’ve been married years ago to one of his closest friends and fellow Club Sin Masters, Aidan Knight. Kyler had always yearned for what they had: a loving Dominant/submissive relationship. Although he was surprised they hadn’t tied the knot earlier, he was glad to see his friends finally exchanged their vows.
Kyler
himself was waiting to find the one. He needed a woman who would embrace his dominant ways in Club Sin and be a good partner in life, too. He loved that feeling of owning a woman’s body … and, yeah, his Dom wanted that.
Only problem?
He’d never met her.
He’d met only the women of right now.
His gaze traveled over the crowd and landed on the pretty blonde he’d seen during the outdoor ceremony. She’d been sitting at the back in the white chairs, smiling in a way that brightened her face as she watched Cora walk down the aisle.
“Staring much?”
Kyler chuckled, turning to Dmitri Pratt, Club Sin’s owner. Kyler ignored the comment with a reply that placed Dmitri in the hot seat. “It’s your turn next to tie the knot, hmm?”
Dmitri smiled, placing his wineglass on the wicker table in front of them. He raked a hand through his blond hair. “Is that so?”
Kyler had no idea why Dmitri hadn’t asked Presley to marry him. They were perfect together. He pointed to Cora. “You’re telling me you don’t want to see Presley looking like that?”
Dmitri glanced to Cora, watching as she danced. When he looked back to Kyler, his expression softened. “It wasn’t that long ago that Presley was engaged.”
“So?”
“She comes from a close family and cares what they think,” Dmitri replied with a shrug. “I’m letting them get used to our relationship before we go down that road.”
Always the good man, Kyler mused.
Perhaps Presley was worried that her parents would disapprove if she got engaged again too quickly. That probably made the most sense and was perceptive of Dmitri to recognize.
Presley had a strong submissive trait: always sacrificing what she wanted for others, a common sub trait that she’d never completely let go of. It was one of the reasons Dmitri loved her so. “You’re waiting for the benefit of her parents?”
Dmitri nodded, draping an arm over the back of the wicker chair. “We’ll give it a little more time.” He grinned, tapping the center of his neck. “Besides, I have that. For now, it’s enough.”
His collar.
In terms many attending this wedding wouldn’t understand, Presley had been fully, irrevocably, claimed by Dmitri. To her closest friends and those who belonged to Club Sin, the promise in the symbol of a collar held as strong as a marriage vow.
Kyler wouldn’t be that patient.
Once he discovered the woman to share his life, he’d possess her body and mind. All would know that whoever she was, she belonged to him both in the dungeon and out of it.
That simple.
Taking another sip of his beer, Kyler scanned the patio and relished as the cool liquid slid down his dry throat. Decorated with flowers and fire pits lighting up the dark night, the five-star resort with panoramic views of the lake and mountains was beautiful. A secondary patio area near the water that hosted the evening wedding was even more so. Some guests sat on the comfortable seating that was placed throughout, but most were on the dance floor, enjoying the live band.
As the warm breeze brushed over him, he watched Cora’s family as her nieces and nephew were dancing with their parents. Then his gaze returned to the blond woman he saw earlier. Damn, she’s a pretty little thing.
She looked as though she’d been plucked out of the fifties, wearing a black-and-white polka-dot dress. Her long hair was swept to the side in a fishtail braid, and on her right arm she had a tattoo of black-and-gray flower from her wrist to midway up her forearm.
Kyler bit back a groan as he scanned down her crossed legs to her black high-heeled shoe dangling from her toes. He took another chug of his beer, reminding himself that a hard cock wasn’t appropriate at his friends’ wedding.
Forcing his attention to her face, their gazes met. Her cheeks pinkened, her cherry-red painted lips parted, and her eyes went a little wide. Beautiful.
Throughout the ceremony and later at dinner her shy blushing had ensnared him. Watching her wasn’t even a choice; it had become imperative. He had to learn more about the woman with the expressive eyes. Her innocence, matched with the way she could barely hold his gaze, suggested one thing: She’s vanilla.
He nearly laughed that he’d taken such an interest in a vanilla woman, but he remained trapped in her overtly aroused expression. If he could make her look that hot by not even touching her, how would she look once he got his hands on her?
Responsive.
He liked that.
Those heated reactions attracted him, and he hadn’t felt that pull toward a woman in a long time. In fact, he hadn’t dated a woman who didn’t live the BDSM lifestyle since Club Sin opened its doors four years ago.
He needed a woman who owned her sexuality and went after her fantasies. A woman who enjoyed living a lifestyle that allowed him to indulge in the wicked. He also needed a woman who submitted to him and who melted under his touch.
Vanilla women never did.
“She’s a good girl.”
Kyler turned and found the groom, Aidan Knight, sitting across from him. All caught up in the woman, he hadn’t realized Aidan had joined him. Nor had he known that Dmitri had left to dance with Presley. Nope, he’d been consumed by the woman wearing polka dots.
Dressed in a tux, his jet-black hair slicked back from his forehead, Aidan was a commanding figure. Stiff shoulders and stony gray eyes told Kyler the woman was no stranger to Aidan, making her all the more interesting. “Do tell, who is that good girl?”
“My assistant, Ella Snow,” Aidan replied with a tight voice.
“She works for you?” Aidan nodded, and Kyler grinned. “I’m surprised that Cora doesn’t mind that pretty thing working alongside you.”
Aidan chuckled, shaking his head. “Cora is now my wife.” The amusement in his features fled, replaced by a blazing dominant stare. “She has never and will never have reason to be worried about Ella.” He glanced around him and then leaned in to Kyler. “You do realize that woman you’re eating up with your eyes is vanilla.”
“No shit,” Kyler said with a smirk.
From what he could tell, Ella didn’t act like a submissive. There were no enticing, gaze-lowering looks away from a Dom. She flat-out acted like a little mouse avoiding a hungry lion.
And damn, did she stir desire.
The same old play in Club Sin had become tiresome. In the dungeon, women always submitted. He’d perfected his craft to ensure they would. Until now, he hadn’t met a woman who pushed his need to master.
Perhaps a little vanilla would spice up his life.
He smiled at Aidan. “Have you ever seen me back away from a challenge?”
Aidan regarded Kyler before he stared at Ella, who was downing her glass of wine. “I can’t get into this in as much detail as I should, seeing how you’re looking at her. But that girl has been through a lot, she’s got no family here.”
Even more interesting. “She’s not from Vegas?”
“She moved from Savannah to Vegas four months ago.”
Kyler rubbed his chin, watching Ella place her wineglass on the table. A flood of heat overwhelmed him. Under his stare, she squirmed in her chair, staring anywhere but at him. Turning to Aidan, he asked, “What do you mean she has no family?”
“I mean, she has no one.” Aidan rested his elbows on his knees, giving Kyler a measured look. “She told me her parents died when she was young and she was raised by her grandparents. A few years back, she lost them, too.”
Aidan smiled at guests who strode by before he added, “There is something about her”—he hesitated and sighed—“she seems distressed or haunted in some ways.” Lifting his chin, his gaze became ice-cold. “I like Ella. And I mean I like her like a sister, so I’m telling you to be careful with her.”
She had Aidan’s affection. That, more than anything, told Kyler that not only is Ella beautiful, but she also must be a remarkable woman who had worked her way into Aidan’s heart.
Kyler snorted. “Fuck, you get ma
rried and turn into an overprotective brother.”
Aidan gave a halfhearted shrug. “Do what you want, but do it gently. She’s a special woman, and I do care about her.”
“You don’t need to tell me she’s special.” Kyler’s body hummed in need as he looked to Ella. “I can see it with my own eyes.” Glancing to Aidan, he smiled. “Don’t you worry, buddy, I’ll take good care of your assistant while you’re on your honeymoon.”
The band changed songs into something a little slower. Standing to go dance with his bride, Aidan frowned. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”
* * *
Forgive me.
Ella’s shoulders slumped and she sighed at her phone. Laughter and joy surrounded her, music and happiness, but her stomach plummeted as she read her husband, Rory Snow’s text. When would he give up? Didn’t a domestic violence protection order say This relationship is over?
As the band played a slow song, she ran her fingers over the scar by her right eye. The mark was a constant reminder of Rory. Every day she looked in the mirror she saw it and thought of him.
All she wanted was to forget. Heck, she’d been doing exactly that. Rory was the jackass who couldn’t let it go. Ella knew she should probably call the Savannah police department to inform them that Rory was contacting her, but she was so damn tired of it all. She had moved on and put Rory into her past of big mistakes.
She’d hoped Rory would do the same.
That didn’t look like it was going to happen anytime soon.
With a grumble, she slipped her phone into her dress pocket and zipped it closed. She scanned through the crowd on the dance floor and her gaze landed on the bride. Aidan’s new wife was beautiful. Thin and elegant, Cora belonged on a magazine cover.
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